As a student living in a foreign country, earning money and managing all your personal and educational expenses can be challenging. It empowers you and gives you a sense of pride and satisfaction. Not just because you don’t want your extra expenses to become a burden for your parents or sponsors, but also because working part-time and earning money teaches you important life skills such as independence.
Germany is a popular destination for students because of the quality of education, good infrastructure and stable economy. The German economy is student-friendly with many part-time job opportunities available for eligible candidates. So, how much can you earn as a student in Germany and what are the best part-time job options available?
Working hours for a student in Germany
Combining studies and work can be tricky, and you must follow certain rules and regulations if you wish to work part-time during your studies. Exceeding the prescribed working hours can lead to an increase in taxes and insurance bills.
Students from the European Union (EU) have access to the job markets just like German citizens. If you are from the EU, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week during semester breaks.
Those who are not from the EU and are categorised as foreign nationals can work for 120 full days or 240 half days during the year irrespective of term-time or vacation. A full day in Germany refers to an eight-hour day within a 40-hour working week. So, a student can work for 2.5 full days per week without breaching the limit. Students from the EU and other foreign nations should keep in mind the annual work hour limit while searching for jobs.
Finding a part-time job in Germany is a source of regular income during the semesters rather than working full-time during semester vacations. However, the choice is entirely left for the student to decide according to convenience and preference.
How much money can you earn while studying?
The monthly income limit for students is €522.50 (as of January 2024) until you will be required to pay taxes to the state, making any earnings below €522.50 tax-free in Germany. So, if you earn a monthly sum of €522.50, your annual income as a student will be €6,270. It is important to note that the taxed amount can be claimed back at the end of the year by submitting a tax return form.
In the skilled sector, you can earn up between €12.41* and approx. €20 an hour. Working as a caterer or waiter/waitress can earn you tips from the customers which are not included in the total monthly bill.
*Since Janauary 2024, this is the new and udpated minimum wage per hour in Germany.
Job opportunities available for students in Germany
Becoming a working student is a popular part-time option for students in Germany. A working student is like an internship where you work in a company related to your field of study. A ‘mini job’ includes work that earns you around €522.50 a month (as of January 2024). The minimum wage limit in this category is €12.41 an hour for 2024.
While taking up any part-time job, it is important to stay within the annual work hour limit. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule such as working in a university or pursuing an internship.
Academic job roles can benefit students in different ways. You can apply for part-time roles working alongside professors at your university to help them with research or administrative tasks. Being an academic assistant, library assistant, support staff or student tutor in your university is a convenient way to earn money.
During your studies, you are also able to explore paid internships with different organisations in Germany. These internships, which are a mandatory requirement as part of your programme, do not count in the 120 full-days rule.
Besides these roles, you can also opt for other popular part-time jobs in Germany such as a cashier, courier, babysitter, bartender, waiter/waitress and personal tutor as well as others. Job roles online have also gained popularity recently due to the convenience it provides to students.
At the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, we offer a variety of Bachelor’s, Master’s adn MBA programmes aimed at the holistic development of our students. Our programmes are designed to develop future-oriented skills to allow students to build successful careers.
Our practice-oriented academic curriculum equips you with the skills to face the challenges of the professional world. Our support staff are always available to help students with any of their needs both inside and outside of the classroom.
Check out our programme list today.
Upt. on 11th January 2024 | by UE Team | category: students